Jack Barry Q&A – Edinburgh Fringe 2016

Well, if you’ve got way too much money and self-esteem there’s not better and quicker way to get rid of them.

What have been the nuggets of inspiration behind your show this year?

I’ve largely been inspired by my own quarter life crisis, and trying to figure out what I’m doing with my life. Being in your twenties should be really fun and easy, but it’s harder than you think, so it’s born out of that. Also marijuana.

Stand-out Fringe moment to date?

One of my all-time comedy heroes Bob Mortimer came to see Twins a couple of years ago. We were performing in a weird room in the back of the pub and had to hide behind a curtain in the corner before the show. Everyday I’d peak out to look at the tiny crowd we’d amassed to come watch the show. One day I looked out and saw him. I very nearly threw up everywhere.

When you wished a hole had opened up in the ground and swallowed you up?

Most days. One that sticks out was when I was very new and sharing a show with my friend Patrick Turpin. We were doing our show in a bizarre little bar in a back alley that doesn’t exist any more. It was impossible to find and there was blood on the walls leading to the venue so we never had any audience. One day the only people to show up were two friends of my parents. We did the show anyway and it was mortifyingly awkward.

Your unsung heroes in the industry at current?

Mat Ewins is always my unsung hero. His shows are always some of the funniest and most creative things I’ve ever seen. How he hasn’t got his own TV series yet is beyond me.

Three shows you must see this Fringe?

Mat Ewins, obviously. I also saw a preview of Jo Neary’s show a couple of weeks ago too, I’d never seen her before and I felt like I’d really been missing out. It was hilarious. I also think my housemate Fin Taylor has one of the best show’s ever this year. Go and see all of them.

The one person you’d love to see your show and why?

I’d like to say someone like Louis CK, but if he was in I’d probably fuck the whole thing up and look like an idiot. Maybe Obama? I don’t think he’d like it but I’d have fun knowing he was there.

The reason why one should come and see your show?

It’s just good fun. I tried to write a show that’s going to change the world and is really clever and political and makes a point but I realised I’m too stupid to do that, so I’ve just written something which is really funny.

The one thing in Edinburgh you must do?

Climb Arthur’s Seat. I didn’t do it the first few times I went to Edinburgh and now I feel like a fool! The view is stunning. If you’re so inclined, take a doobie up there and spark it up, it’s like a religious experience!

Ah sorry, you’re dead. But least you can have that dinner party you’ve always wanted. Who are you inviting?

Probably some friends of mine. I hate making small talk, so it would probably be really awkward if I invited a bunch of celebrities I don’t know. I’d much rather get drunk with some mates.

Watch Jack Barry in a clip how in 2015 he bought a football team for £300, who are still going, despite being relegated this season.